I happened upon a notebook in a shop some weeks ago. It was what I suppose you might call francofaux: the design and lettering were French, but with a glossy-digital cover and cheaply staple-bound. The notebook was not an homage to a style, and as such an elevation of both the original and the new. It was just a cheap copy (and yes, it was made in China). It made me sad.
I've come to believe that there is no reason to own and use sad stationary. Dozens of small--often
American--companies are making charming notebooks and handcrafted greeting cards, some whimsical or funny, others simply lovely. Though I have long been a lover of everything paper, I never imagined Frank & Margaret would carry paper products. Still, they have become a vital part of the store, and part of the reason for that is each card and notebook is inherently authentic. We have everything from cheeky hand-letterpressed cards from Blue Barnhouse (Asheville, North Carolina) to Japanese pop-up cards from Greeting Life, bold notebooks from Bob's Your Uncle (Boston) to elegant calling cards from Lunalux (Minneapolis).
Great stationary is an affordable luxury. Unlike, say, a gorgeous, laboriously handcrafted throw pillow, which (especially if made in the United States) might set you back upwards of $200, a five-dollar bill is all you need for an amazing bit of paper.
